we serve & honor

WOUNDED NORTH TEXAS VETERANS

OUR ORGANIZATION

Mission

Cowtown Warriors is a Fort Worth 501(c)3 with the mission “To Serve and Honor our Wounded North Texas Veterans.”

The Team

Cowtown Warriors is comprised of 100% volunteers. Our vision is “To be the premier all volunteer, non-profit, veterans support organization in North Texas by providing quality of life assistance to our wounded and disabled veterans in need.”

Annual Event

The Cowtown Warriors’ Ball is a formal annual fundraising event held at the Fort Worth Club in Fort Worth, TX with the goal of raising funds and awareness for the critically wounded and disabled veterans of North Texas. All proceeds and contributions from the Cowtown Warriors’ Ball go directly towards the assistance of these fine Americans; salaries and overhead are NOT funded through our donor contributions.

EVENTS

Upcoming Events

Past Event

Past Event

Past Event

ABOUT

In January 2013 the leadership of the Metroplex Marines Coordinating Council (MMCC) was notified of a critical funding shortfall for the Wounded Warrior Regiment, an active duty Marine Unit in Quantico, VA charged with the care and rehabilitation of badly wounded and disabled Marines from years of continuous combat. Several Fort Worth businessmen, led by Jeremy Spann and sponsored by former Secretary of the Navy Gordon England, organized the 2014 Fort Worth Wounded Warrior Ball in an effort to raise funds for these Marines and Navy Corpsmen. Although successful, the individual ball highlighted a shortfall in monetary support and other resources for veterans of all services who live in North Texas. These veterans have served honorably and frequently suffer from severe physical and psychological injuries related to their service.

Thus the decision was made to memorialize the annual event as the Cowtown Warriors Ball, and to stand up a unique 501(c)3: “The Cowtown Warriors”. The Cowtown Warriors organize the annual event, screen qualified veterans for the receipt of donated funds, hold monthly meetings, and operate within the organizational by-laws and government regulations. Since inception, the group has held 5 galas and several other small events targeted for specific projects. In all, these events have raised $625,000 for the cause. Our Cowtown Warriors Ball welcomes world class guest speakers each year which include current and former Service Chiefs, former Secretaries of the Services, and other senior flag officers from the United States Armed Forces.We’ve evolved over time, but the Mission remains the same. We’re an all-volunteer organization designed to help our wounded and disabled North Texan veterans achieve the highest possible quality of life.

Founded in January 2014

Our Humble Beginnings

Inaugural event’s guest of honor and speaker was Romus Burgin and we raised $50,000!

2nd Event 2015

Growing Substantially

Guest of Honor and speaker was Lt General Charles H. Pittman and we raised $100,000.

3rd Event 2016

Picking up the Pace

Guest of Honor and speaker was General John Allen and we raised $150,000.

4th Event 2017

Developing a Strong and Dynamic Team

Guest of Honor and speaker was Admiral James Stavridis and we raised $180,000.

5th Event 2018

Supporting Veterans

Guest of Honor and speaker was General Robert Neller (link to bio) and we raised $300,000!

OUR AMAZING TEAM

Cowtown Warriors is comprised of 100% volunteers

RichardWegner

Member at Large

Richard entered the United States Marine Corps in 2009 and served on active duty until 2012. Richard was an infantry officer and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He is currently a captain and infantry officer in the Marine Corps Reserve.

He received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Texas Tech University, a Master of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University, and currently works as the Vice President of Health, Safety and Environment at Basic Energy Services.

Richard considers the time he spent training, leading, and being deployed with his Marines as one of the greatest honors of his life. His passion for service continues as he strives to improve the lives of local veterans through his efforts with the Cowtown Warriors.

JeffOlesko

President

A little bit about Jeff . . .

After graduating from the Naval Academy in 1997 with a Bachelors in Aerospace Engineering, Jeff received his commission in the Marine Corps. He was designated a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter pilot and received his wings in 1999.

Jeff spent the bulk of his career stationed at MCAS Miramar, CA with the Sea Elk of HMM-166. There he deployed four times, including three combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After continuing his service with the HMM(T)-164 Knightriders at Camp Pendleton, CA training the next generation of aviators, Jeff received his Masters in Military Studies. He then requested orders to the DFW area to serve as the Executive Officer of the 9th MEPS Battalion.

It was during this tour that Jeff married his beautiful bride, Donnia. They currently live in Ft Worth with their five children: Abraham, Colton, Jensen, Draco, and June. In addition to serving his country, Jeff takes great pride in being a member of HighRidge Church, an adoptive dad, and the President of Cowtown Warriors.

JeremySpann

Founder, Fundraising

Jeremy enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1991. He separated from active duty in 1997 while serving for a short time in the Marine Corps Reserve. Jeremy holds two degrees from Texas Christian University: an undergraduate degree in Political Science International Relations with an emphasis on Latin American Studies and a Master of Business Administration. Jeremy is the Managing Partner at Stoneburgh Management and an international Real Estate Sales Consultant with Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty. Jeremy currently resides in Fort Worth with his wife Laura and their daughter Maggie. Jeremy is the Co-Founder of Cowtown Warriors.

TimothyHatcher

Member at Large

Tim entered the Marine Corps in 1996 and served on active duty until 2002. During his enlistment, Tim served as an avionics technician with the world famous Vipers of HMLA-169.

After earning a degree in Entrepreneurial Management from Texas Christian University, Tim started a financial planning practice and is currently the Managing Director, Texas Division, for The Pacific Group, a planning and advisory practice specializing in customized retirement structures for businesses and individuals.

Like most Marines, Tim is called to continue his service and takes pride in giving back to service men and women with difficult circumstances through the efforts of the Cowtown Warriors. Tim currently lives in Fort Worth, Texas with his wife Natasha Hatcher and their two sons, Diego and Mateo. In his spare time, Tim enjoys taking adventure fishing trips to exotic locations.

SeanCarr

Operations

A Chicago Native, Sean joined the Marine Corps in 2009 where he served on active duty for 5 years until 2014. During his enlistment he served on the Special Reaction Team aboard Paris Island, SC and participated in multiple deployments to Afghanistan where he led a team that searched for and seized enemy contraband and weapons. On his last deployment Sean was a squad leader for a Military Police platoon tasked with providing security for convoy operations, aircraft recovery, and maintaining entry control points aboard military installations.

After leaving the Marine Corps, Sean opened his first event planning company in Hilton Head, SC. After moving to Fort Worth, Sean began a financial practice that focuses on retirement distribution strategies. Sean continues to run his practice while serving as a board member for Cowtown Warriors, and managing a second event planning company in the Metroplex that focuses on large corporate events.

AndyVan Wey

Vetting and Nominations

Andy enlisted in United States Marine Corps in 1998. He served in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq with the infantry and was honorably discharged in 2005. Andy earned his Peace Officer’s license in 2006 and served with the Fort Worth Police Department, specializing in gang and narcotics investigations. Andy now works for BNSF Railway’s Operations Group and moonlights as a private detective.

Andy’s passion for philanthropy led him to Cowtown Warriors, where he leads a team of investigators responsible for processing applicants in need of assistance. He is also a volunteer for Tarrant County’s Veterans Court Diversion Program.

AndrewCagle

Treasurer

Andrew entered the United States Marine Corps in 2002 and served on active duty until 2012. He served in combat in Iraq and in Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines. Andrew served in the infantry as an Assaultman and joined Marine Special Operations Command in 2010. He was awarded the Purple Heart in 2006 and was medically retired in 2012. Andrew holds a degree in accounting from the University of Texas at Arlington. He is currently a Principal and Accounting Director for a Dallas family office.

Andrew has a passion for helping other wounded service members and veterans like him. He lives in Arlington, Texas with his wife Bethany and their two children, Natalie and Harry. In his spare time, Andrew enjoys hunting and wood working. He also serves as the Chief Financial Officer of the Healing Road Foundation.

JamesKorth

Member at Large

James was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps in 1997. He currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve and has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He is an alumnus of TCU and St. Mary’s School of Law.

With more than eight years under his belt practicing for one of Fort Worth’s most storied law firms, he started his own practice four years ago. His primary practice is Energy Law, representing both landowner and operator interests including royalty disputes, water use agreements, surface use and easements, lease negotiations and termination, and joint operating agreements. He has also worked with the Texas Railroad Commission to resolve operator compliance issues.

James is one of the co-founders of Cowtown Warriors. His involvement stems from his desire to assist those local Texas veterans who have sacrificed for our country, and need a hand that they deserve.

BlakeHarris

Member at Large

Blake enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2006 and served in the reserve until 2013.

He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University and now works as the Chief Operating Officer at Case Energy Partners, LLC.

Blake is motivated to continue serving by empowering wounded service men and women to live happy and productive lives through the efforts of Cowtown Warriors.

He resides in Dallas, TX with his wife, Marilyn and son, Wade.

James Pederson

Member at Large

Coming Soon

ClintWeber

Member at Large

Clint Weber was born at Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI. While growing up Clint was privileged to be a party of a military family, moving over 11 times and graduating from Lawton High School (Lawton, OK) in 1994.

Upon graduation from Lawton High School, Clint attended Texas A&M University, was a member of Companies G-2 and E-2, as well as a Marine contract NROTC student. He was a member of The Aggie Muster Committee.

After graduating from Texas A&M, Clint was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and served for 16 years on active duty as a Marine fighter pilot. During that time, Clint deployed overseas six times, three of which were to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Since his return to Texas, Clint has become active in State Government and in his community. He is a Commissioner of the Texas Low Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact Commission, a Member of the Cowtown Warriors (a local non-profit veterans group), a Member of the Lilly B. Clayton Elementary School Dad’s Club, Treasurer of the Berkley Place Neighborhood Association, and member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Fort Worth, TX.

On September 1st, 2014 Clint left active duty, and began work with Corbett Capital, a closely held private investment company located in Fort Worth, TX. As a Principal with Corbett Capital, Clint’s responsibilities have included analysis and due diligence, prospective company valuation, internal operational / logistical performance, and leadership team assessment.

Clint has been married since June 5th 1999 to the former Heather Moses of Lawton, OK. They have one child, Judith “Betsy” Weber.

NathanielNebbia

Member at Large

Nathaniel accepted his commission as an officer in the United States Marine Corps in 2009 and served on active duty until 2013. During Nathaniel’s time on active duty he served as an Air Support Control Officer and deployed twice to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.Nathaniel was also a member of the Camp Pendleton men’s ice hockey team and helped organize charity hockey games to raise money for wounded veterans. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management and Administration from Bradley University and a Master’s Degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Strategic Leadership and Decision Making from Texas Christian University. Nathaniel is a Sales Manager for Global Experience Specialists in the live events and exhibitions industry.

Nathaniel’s passion for helping out fellow veterans continues with his work with the Cowtown Warriors Association. He currently resides in Mansfield with his beautiful daughter Noelle.

BartLesniewicz

Member at Large

Bartosz “Bart” Lesniewicz enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1996. During this time one of his deployments included Marine Corps Security Forces London. In 1998 he attended OCS and became an Infantry Officer. During his 21year career he deployed multiple times to the Mediterranean, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan, to include Combat Operations in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He also served in Officer Recruiting and Doctrine revision.

Currently he is the Safety and DOT Manager at a Fort Worth Based Oil Services Company.

Bart has continued to assist his fellow Veterans with his work at Cowtown Warriors and is passionate about assisting Veterans find Employment post military service. He also enjoys helping his fellow Veterans understand and overcome the true realities of Military to Civilian transition.

During his deployment to London, England Bart met his future wife the former Laura Ward. They and their (2) children live in North West Fort Worth.

CraigHolt

Member at Large

Craig Holt is a Fort Worth resident who served in the U.S. Army and then the U.S. Marines for nine and half years in the infantry. Serving with several units to include Marine Corps Security Company and 3rd Battalion 5th Marines. During his time with 3rd Battalion 5th Marines he deployed Fallujah, Iraq for Operation Phantom Fury the second Battle of Fallujah where he served as a team leader and Non-Commissioned Officer.

After completing his military time, he joined the Fort Worth Police Department to continue to serve and protect his community. Craig holds a Master Peace Officer license, Field Training Officer, and Instructor Certification.

He is a cum laude graduate of West Texas A&M with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

In 2014, he joined the Cowtown Warriors organization where he currently serves as the Director of Applicant Vetting.

Craig has a passion for helping other wounded service members and veterans like him. He currently lives in Haslet, Texas with his beautiful wife Courtney and their children.

ClintLudwig

Secretary

Clint Ludwig served 20 years in the United States Marine Corps. He enlisted as a Private in 1997 and served 10 years as a Signals Intelligence Marine. In 2007, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and spent the next 10 years serving as a Counter Intelligence/Human Intelligence Officer. Clint retired from the Marine Corps in 2017.

Clint continues his life of public service working for Tarrant County as the Chief Deputy for the County Clerk. He also strives to continue serving his fellow veterans focusing on his local community. Cowtown Warriors has given him the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of North Texas Veterans.